The theoretical possibility of transcending the social into the interhuman in the philosophy of Martin Buber

• Main Author: Bautista, Frederick E.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 1998
• Subjects: Existentialism; Existential phenomenology; Relationism; Idea (Philosophy); Buber; Martin > Philosophy
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/1531
• Institution: De La Salle University

The social realm is characterized by a relationship where man treats the other as an object-subject/object relationship. Man's utility, function, and membership are those that are given emphasis. The interhuman realm, on the other hand is characterized by a subject/subject relationship-man treats the other as a subject, as a person. There exists mutuality, directness, and openness to the other. This study aims to show if one can transcend the social realm and establish the interhuman relation theoretically and practically in life (society). This study begins with the discussion of the ideas and thoughts of Martin Buber which are essential to the study in order to answer the question at hand. Included in the discussion is the reason for a need to transcend one realm to the other. For Buber, there is a need to transcend the social realm into the interhuman realm because man is now bound in collectivism and individualism. In collectivism, what is given importance is its membership or participation in the group. The identity of the group is his identity. Individualism on the other hand sees man only in his relationship with himself and no one else. Man is isolated and no interpersonal relationship can or ever exist. The possibility of transcending the social realm into the interhuman is backed up by the claim of Buber that it can be and at the same time by the concrete relations of men that shows that it is possible. Applying the said philosophy theoretically would show that it can be, and one can transcend the social into the interhuman. In retrospect, using the said philosophy directly to society would lead to failure because our society is built in such a way that there exists a subject-object type of relationship. Trying to change the way society runs like turning a plate full of food and replacing them with the new one. It is a great deal to apply the philosophy directly to society but in one way or another it would lead to difficulty although it may be successful.